The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District covers about 1,600 square miles in Southeast Nebraska, including most of Lancaster and Cass counties and parts of Otoe, Seward, Butler and Saunders counties.
Its 21-member board of directors guides the district's involvement in conservation-related areas including water quality and quantity, soil erosion, wildlife habitat, wetland protection, flood control, recreational lakes and trails and environmental education.
Board members are elected on a nonpartisan ballot to serve four-year terms.ÌýOne board member is elected at large; the others represent subdistricts. Each subdistrict has two seats on the board, with one seat up for election every two years.
There are six subdistricts this year with more than one candidate.
* Subdistrict 3: Mike DeKalb (incumbent)Ìýand Kenneth Vogel.
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* Subdistrict 4: Gary R. Aldridge (incumbent) and LeRoy W. Sievers.
* Subdistrict 5: John Yoakum and Greg Osborn (incumbent).
* Subdistrict 8: Christine Lamberty and Christy Eichorn. Incumbent Dan Steinkruger did not file for reelection.
* Subdistrict 9: Milt Schmidt (incumbent) and Lisa Lewis.
* Subdistrict 10: Ray A. Stevens Jr.Ìý(incumbent) andÌýBastienne Salners.
Uncontested candidates are Don Jacobson (Subdistrict 1), Ron Nolte (Subdistrict 2); Anthony Schutz (Subdistrict 6) and Chelsea Johnson (Subdistrict 7).Ìý All uncontested candidates except for Ron Nolte are incumbents.
Directors receive a $60 per diem for attending meetings and other duties, and the total amount cannot exceed $3,600 annually.
Lower Platte South NRD candidates:
Lower Platte South Natural Resources District
Subdistrict 3: Mike DeKalb
Age:Ìý74
Occupation:Ìý¸é±ð³Ù¾±°ù±ð»å city/county planner
Political party:Ìý¶Ù±ð³¾´Ç³¦°ù²¹³Ù
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý6015 Huntington Ave., Lincoln
Website:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð
DeKalb is serving on the Lower Platte South NRD board of directors and chairs its urban subcommittee. "It is my great pleasure to be in an organization where I can help protect and preserve people, property and the environment,"Ìýthe retired city/county planner saysÌýon the NRD's website.
What do you feel are the Lower Platte South NRD’s top three natural resource issues?
1. Flood plain protection and maintenance of levees and dams.
2. Environmental protection including groundwater protection and surface water quality.
3. Changing climate.
Are you in favor of the multiyear development of the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch, a tall-grass prairie rehabilitation and recreational trail project between Pioneers Park and Spring Creek Prairie?
I am a supporter and promoter of this long-term project since before its inclusion in the 2011 Comprehensive Plan. It is part of our history, will draw visitors from around the world, is educational and will promote and protect biodiversity. It is a great investment in our future.
Are you in favor of removing more than 500 homes and businesses from Lincoln’s Deadmans Run flood plain at a local cost of $9 million?
To clarify, this is a cooperative project with the NRD, Corp of Engineers and city of Lincoln. It will improve the channel flow and replace three bridges so the official flood plain can be recalculated and removed from a large area between 33rd and 48th streets and Huntington Avenue. This will have a big impact on those homes and businesses and East Campus both for redevelopment, sale or remodeling. I am a supporter of this project. I believe it is currently fully funded.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
I want to protect our life and property, protect the environment, encourage education, encourage good farming practice and promote healthy recreational alternatives for our citizens. I hope to lighten our footprint and leave a better place in our being here. I believe we do this well today and provide great value for the local tax dollar. I hope to have the Deadmans Run project substantially complete at the end of this upcoming election term.
Subdistrict 3: Kenneth Vogel
Age:Ìý77
Occupation:Ìý¸é±ð³Ù¾±°ù±ð»å, currently part-time author and investment manager.Ìý
Political party:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±è²¹°ù³Ù¾±²õ²¹²Ô
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý7744 Erin Court, Lincoln
Website:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð
Vogel has been a U.S. Department of Agriculture research scientist (agronomist and geneticist) and research leader and University of Nebraska-Lincoln adjunct professor of agronomy and horticulture. He's a military veteran and has volunteered for his homeowners association.Ìý
What do you feel are the Lower Platte South NRD’s top three natural resource issues?
1. Flood control.
2. Surface and groundwater quality.
3. Erosion control during development.
Are you in favor of the multiyear development of the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch, a tall-grass prairie rehabilitation and recreational trail project between Pioneers Park and Spring Creek Prairie?
Not at this time. The primary mission of the natural resource districts is to address surface and groundwater issues. Recreational uses of natural resource district projects are highly desirable but primary problems need to be addressed first.
Are you in favor of removing more than 500 homes and businesses from Lincoln’s Deadmans Run flood plain at a local cost of $9 million?
No. The existing Deadmans Run does need some work and it will need periodic maintenance, but to date it has been effective in preventing flooding.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
Climate change is predicted to lead to more erratic and intense weather events. The 2019 floods in Nebraska are an example of the potential problems that could occur. I am running because if elected, I would work to keep the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District focused on flood and erosion control for potential future severe weather events.
Subdistrict 4: Gary R. Aldridge
Age:Ìý73Ìý
Occupation:Ìý¸é±ð³Ù¾±°ù±ð»å
Political party:Ìý¶Ù±ð³¾´Ç³¦°ù²¹³Ù
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý7112 S. 45th St., Lincoln
Website:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð
Elected in 2016, Aldridge is seeking his second term to the board. He has been a classroom teacher and was employed 30 yearsÌýwith the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He is retired and has a small business selling handmade wooden toys.
What do you feel are the Lower Platte South NRD’s top three natural resource issues?
* Flood mitigation. Last year we experienced that floods are not controlled. People are not powerless, but, at times, some are shortsighted. We can/should work on that.
* Protect groundwater. A lot of people depend in a lot of ways on groundwater. Groundwater relies on a Natural Resources District for protections.
* Trails, trees, pollinators, mitigate soil erosion. A lot of things that I see as connected.
Are you in favor of the multiyear development of the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch, a tall-grass prairie rehabilitation and recreational trail project between Pioneers Park and Spring Creek Prairie?
Not everyone is a trail user. I am not; others are. Fair enough. Prairie Corridor is a partnership with others. I voted (more than once) to approve the Prairie Corridor interlocal agreement with Lincoln and acquire easements for the Prairie Corridor. I understand some are troubled by the cost. Not all dollars are public funds. The corridor today, for us, is the prologue -- an imperfect snapshot of what Natives experienced. The Prairie Corridor seems appropriate.
Are you in favor of removing more than 500 homes and businesses from Lincoln’s Deadmans Run flood plain at a local cost of $9 million?
Deadmans Run is cooperative. Federal, state, county and city are involved. The best solution is to not develop in the flood plain. Alas, too late for that. The cooperators have investigated several solutions and/or approaches. It seems the best solution is to not leave things as they are. Some will swallow hard on $9 million. On this I will help others because from time to time I may need help from others.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
No response.
Subdistrict 4: LeRoy W. Sievers
Age:Ìý72Ìý
Occupation:Ìý³¢²¹·É²â±ð°ù
Political party:Ìý¸é±ð±è³Ü²ú±ô¾±³¦²¹²Ô
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý716 Driftwood Drive, Lincoln
Website:Ìý
Sievers has nearly 36 years of experience in water and natural resources law, serving as an assistant attorney general and legal counsel to state agenciesÌý— Departments of Water Resources & Natural Resources. He has also served on community boards (Red Cross, Capital Humane Society, Cornhusker Council Boy Scouts, Lincoln Bar Association).Ìý
What do you feel are the Lower Platte South NRD’s top three natural resource issues?
1. Flood-mitigation efforts. In recent years, significant precipitation events have demonstrated the value of flood mitigation efforts and the ongoing need to reassess and update dams and levees.
2. Groundwater quality issues for domestic and other users. Numerous groundwater users are under Phase II rules, regulations and restrictions and may need assistance. Enhanced prevention measures may be needed as well.
3. Providing opportunities for connection to the natural world via means within authorized purposes of NRDs, such as trails.
Are you in favor of the multiyear development of the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch, a tall-grass prairie rehabilitation and recreational trail project between Pioneers Park and Spring Creek Prairie?
Yes. Using a cooperative approach with other entities, partnerships can be used not only to increase financial support but also organizational support that expands the use and understanding of trail. Trails can connect people to nature and through use can improve physical and mental health.
Are you in favor of removing more than 500 homes and businesses from Lincoln’s Deadmans Run flood plain at a local cost of $9 million?
Yes. Upon the successful completion of the project, the property will be removed from the 100-year flood plain thereby lifting federal flood insurance requirements. Additionally the risk of flooding will be reduced as well as the associated dangers to lives and property. Also flood mitigation is one of the principal statutory obligations placed on NRDs by the Legislature. Cooperating with the city of Lincoln and the Corps of Engineers results in splitting costs and creating well-designed solutions.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
I am running because I have experience in the area of water-resources issues and want to use that experience to support improving policies and management of the NRD. Given that resources are limited, I want to work with other board members to prioritize efforts to control groundwater contamination, mitigate flood effects and reduce property taxes. Having been a member of other boards I have the experience to work with other NRD board members to accomplish these goals.
Subdistrict 5: Greg Osborn
Age:Ìý69Ìý
Occupation:ÌýSelf-employed business owner, SelectExtras, Inc. and Inerteq IT LLC.
Political party:Ìý¸é±ð±è³Ü²ú±ô¾±³¦²¹²Ô
Address: 1144 Manchester Drive, Lincoln
Website:Ìý
Osborn has been a director on the Lower Platte South NRD board for 12 years and has served as the chair of the finance and planning subcommittee, which develops the annual budget. He's started twoÌý companies that use his background and education in information technology, business and accounting. He's also been involved incommunity activities.
What do you feel are the Lower Platte South NRD’s top three natural resource issues?
This is a difficult question to answer. There are many responsibilities of the NRD. Three important issues are to:
1. Ensure public safety from floods through projects and programs.
2. Protect the quality and quantity of our water supply now and for the future.
3. Continued education for the public and future generations about our natural resources.
Are you in favor of the multiyear development of the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch, a tall-grass prairie rehabilitation and recreational trail project between Pioneers Park and Spring Creek Prairie?
The Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch is a relevant project. I feel it is extremely important to find a balance between trails, green space and development while being fiscally responsible to our taxpayers.
Are you in favor of removing more than 500 homes and businesses from Lincoln’s Deadmans Run flood plain at a local cost of $9 million?
Yes, I am in favor. The NRD has been preparing for this project for several years. This is an extremely critical project that involves the coordination of the city, the NRD, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Corps of Engineers. It parallels right along with the key element of public safety from floods and also will help lower costs to the property owners.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
As a director on the Lower Platte South NRD board, we work at providing public safety and education in water quality and quantity, protection from floods, and provide recreation and public trails. I have worked hard to find the proper balance of fiscal responsibility and the protection of our natural resources while keeping your taxes low. I would be honored to continue to represent the taxpayer. I humbly ask for your vote.
Subdistrict 5: John Yoakum
Age:Ìý62Ìý
Occupation:Ìý¸é±ð³Ù¾±°ù±ð»å firefighter
Political party:Ìý¶Ù±ð³¾´Ç³¦°ù²¹³Ù
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý330 N.W. 13th St., Lincoln
Website:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð
Yoakum received his bachelor's degree in public administration and an associate's degree in fire science. He has served as a leader for the Lancaster County Democratic Party. He's presently president of Nebraska Judo Inc. and is serving on the Malone Center and the El Centro de las Americas boards of directors and as a volunteer at the Indian Center.
What do you feel are the Lower Platte South NRD’s top three natural resource issues?
1. Water: Everyone should have safe, healthy and reliable drinking water.
2. Water: We need to prepare for the next flooding event.
3. Water: As a recreational opportunity our lakes and streams add a quality of life for our citizens.
Are you in favor of the multiyear development of the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch, a tall-grass prairie rehabilitation and recreational trail project between Pioneers Park and Spring Creek Prairie?
Yes, interlocal cooperation between local governments is a good way to complete quality of life/recreational projects. This project so far has local landowners agreeing to put their land into this project without the use of eminent domain.
Are you in favor of removing more than 500 homes and businesses from Lincoln’s Deadmans Run flood plain at a local cost of $9 million?
The question should be: Are you in favor of improving our levys to protect 500 homes and businesses? Yes, as a firefighter I know the value of prevention. Prevention is better than replacement. Removing the flood plain from that area will save those who work and live in that area more than the cost to improve it.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
Someone once said, “We do not own the Earth but rent it from the next generations.†I believe that.
I intend to:
* Continue to provide clean safe water.
* Enhance our flood control systems. (Remember the bomb cycle?) Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and we must be ready.
* Continue and enhance bio-diverse projects.
* Look for opportunities to provide recreational/quality of life projects while remembering to be a trusted guardian of your tax dollars.
Subdistrict 8: Christine Lamberty
Age:Ìý51
Occupation:ÌýCommunity health care worker and catering business owner
Political party:Ìý¶Ù±ð³¾´Ç³¦°ù²¹³Ù
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý7506 Whitestone Drive, Lincoln
Website:ÌýOn , "Lamberty for NRD"
Lamberty has medical training from Metro Community College and theÌý University of Nebraska Medical Center and community health and nutrition training at Southeast Community College. She is a past volunteer and leader for school and neighborhood groups. She volunteers for GIRLPowR and other community organizations.
What do you feel are the Lower Platte South NRD’s top three natural resource issues?
Flood control, water quality and preserving natural habitat will always be top priorities for the NRD and are likely to be further challenged by changes in our climate. We need to complete a series of Salt Creek levee repairs. We need to ensure we have sustainable levels of clean water supplies in the district, which is especially important for Lincoln’s water wells. We need to develop long-range plans for the enhancement and conservation of wetland areas and prairie corridors.
Are you in favor of the multiyear development of the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch, a tall-grass prairie rehabilitation and recreational trail project between Pioneers Park and Spring Creek Prairie?
Yes. This is a long-range project in partnership with the city of Lincoln that will create an extended prairie corridor and preserve an important part of the natural habitat and cultural legacy of the great plains. The development should occur over time with the voluntary acquisition of property as it becomes available for sale.
Are you in favor of removing more than 500 homes and businesses from Lincoln’s Deadmans Run flood plain at a local cost of $9 million?
Yes. To be clear, no properties will be “removed†from their current location. Rather, the improvements will shrink the flood plain and lower the risk of flooding along Deadmans Run, increasing property values and decreasing the need for flood insurance. This is an important flood control project for Lincoln.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
The management of our natural resources will always be a critical challenge. I will bring a practical, science-based approach to NRD decision-making with an eye on future needs. I have raised two children in Lincoln and know the benefits of hands-on learning opportunities, particularly understanding the importance of our wetlands, prairies and water resources. I want to enhance education efforts to provide a grounding of knowledge that allows each succeeding generation to grapple with the challenges to our resources.
Subdistrict 9: Lisa Lewis
Age:Ìý45Ìý
Occupation:ÌýAccount manager
Political party:Ìý¶Ù±ð³¾´Ç³¦°ù²¹³Ù
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý6024 Cross Creek Road, Lincoln
Website:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð
Lewis has her master's in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She wants to preserve and conserve the water and natural resources in the state by looking to the future and contribute to the growth of education and recreational programs.
What do you feel are the Lower Platte South NRD’s top three natural resource issues?
1. Flood mitigation. Nebraska saw unprecedented flooding last year. Working towards long-term solutions needs to be a priority.
2. Conserving and managing water resources. It is the responsibility of the NRD to protect groundwater from overuse and pollution.
3. Drinking water. High nitrate levels in drinking water is becoming a major concern throughout the state. We need to establish solutions to maintain high-quality drinking water for the health and well-being of our residents.
Are you in favor of the multiyear development of the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch, a tall-grass prairie rehabilitation and recreational trail project between Pioneers Park and Spring Creek Prairie?
Yes, I am in favor of the Prairie Corridor recreational trail. I think this is a wonderful program that encompasses the passion for nature and conservation that is embedded in our state.
Are you in favor of removing more than 500 homes and businesses from Lincoln’s Deadmans Run flood plain at a local cost of $9 million?
Yes, Lincoln's Deadmans Run watershed has a history of dangerous flooding and severe erosion. It is an important long-term sacrifice to improve the sustainability of our community.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
I am running for the Lower Platte South NRD to preserve and conserve the water and natural resources of our beautiful state. I believe this can be achieved by establishing innovative policies and looking to the future. In addition, I hope to contribute to the growth of strong educational and recreational programs for the residents of Nebraska.
Subdistrict 9: Milt Schmidt
Age:Ìý74
Occupation:Ìý¸é±ð³Ù¾±°ù±ð»å from Goodyear and United Way of Lincoln/Lancaster County
Political party:Ìý¶Ù±ð³¾´Ç³¦°ù²¹³Ù
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý5616 S. 73rd St., Lincoln
Website:Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð
Schmidt, a Vietnam veteran, said he is running to help the NRD to maintain its trails and watershed areas, provide trees for sale to taxpayers, and educate youth through various outreach programs.
What do you feel are the Lower Platte South NRD’s top three natural resource issues?
I feel Lower Platte South NRD’s top three natural resources areas are:
* Maintaining our urban and rural watershed areas.
* Ensuring water quality through testing programs.
* Maintaining trails.
Are you in favor of the multiyear development of the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch, a tall-grass prairie rehabilitation and recreational trail project between Pioneers Park and Spring Creek Prairie?
Yes, I am in favor of the multiyear development of the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch. This would provide a great opportunity for people to explore and learn about this tall-grass prairie.
Are you in favor of removing more than 500 homes and businesses from Lincoln’s Deadmans Run flood plain at a local cost of $9 million?
Yes, I am in favor of taking more than 500 homes and businesses from Lincoln’s Deadmans Run flood plain. Lower Platte South NRD will be coordinating efforts with the University of Nebraska, Burlington Railroad, city of Lincoln and the federal government.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
I am running for this office so I can work as a director of Lower Platte South NRD to maintain our trails and watershed areas, provide trees for sale to taxpayers and educate our youth through various outreach programs.
Subdistrict 10: Ray A. Stevens Jr.
Age:Ìý80
Occupation:ÌýCommunity volunteer
Political party:Ìý¸é±ð±è³Ü²ú±ô¾±³¦²¹²Ô
´¡»å»å°ù±ð²õ²õ:Ìý3411 Hanson Court, Lincoln
Website: None
Stevens served nearly 10 years as a Lancaster County commissioner and has been a director of Lower Platte South NRD for eight years. He's also served on many community boards including theÌýPeople’s City Mission, Boy Scouts, Red Cross, United Way, LIBA, Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Great Plains Trail Network.
What do you feel are the Lower Platte South NRD’s top three natural resource issues?
1. Strengthen the levy system (especially along Salt Creek) to reduce flood risk during significant rainfall events.
2. Implementation of Deadmans Run project enhances the capacity of the channel and reduces the footprint of the flood plain between 33rd and 48th streets along the north side of UNL East Campus. This removes the requirement of flood insurance for these 500 homes.
3. Continued development of the Prairie Corridor between Pioneers Park and Spring Creek Prairie.
Are you in favor of the multiyear development of the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch, a tall-grass prairie rehabilitation and recreational trail project between Pioneers Park and Spring Creek Prairie?
Yes, I strongly support the multiyear development of the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch. I have voted for the investment of NRD dollars to purchase land and easements and the restoration of the native prairies. This is a collaborative effort with the city of Lincoln and 21 other community organizations. I serve as a member of the Prairie Corridor Cabinet.
Are you in favor of removing more than 500 homes and businesses from Lincoln’s Deadmans Run flood plain at a local cost of $9 million?
The flood control project offers significant benefits — 500 structures will be “certified†as outside the reduced area of the 100-year flood plain, three bridges will be replaced and UNL will have an improved levy to the north side of East Campus. The US Army Corps of Engineers, the Water Sustainability Fund and the city and NRD have partnered together. Eighty percent of the NRD dollars have been set aside in a sinking fund and can be available immediately.
Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish in office?
I am running for reelection to continue efforts to preserve and enhance the land and water resources of the NRD, support projects that reduce the flood risk throughout the district and manage the finances in a fiscally prudent manner. In the next four years, I would hope to see the completion of the Deadmans Run project and the acquisition of easements to complete the Prairie Corridor.